Counting device and printing attachment for current impulses succeeding each other at high speed



Sept. 17, 1963 H. WETZER 3,103,878 COUNTING DEVICE AND PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR CURRENT IMPULSE-S SUCCEEDING EACH OTHER AT HIGH SPEED Flled Feb 24, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet l //v VEN TOR HERMA/VA/ WE 7'ZER Alforneys Sept. 17, 1963 H. WETZER 3,103,

COUNTING DEVICE AND PRINTING ATTACHMENT FOR CURRENT IMPULSES SUCCEEDING EACH OTHER AT HIGH SPEED Filed Feb. 24, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 N VEN TOR HERMAN/V WEZ'ZER @MQW Aftorneys Patented Sept. 17, 1963 CGUNTHNG DEVICE AND PRINTING ATTACH- MENT FUR CURRENT IIVIPULSES SUCCEEDING EACH OTHER AT HIGH SPEED Hermann Wetzer, Pfronten-Meilingen, Germany Filed Feb. 24, 1959, Ser. No. 794,982 Ciaims priority, applicatien Germany July 19, 1958 4 (Jlaims. (Cl. 101-93) The present invention relates to a counting device with printing attachment to be actuated by electric current pulses following each other in rapid succession. These current pulses are to be counted either continuously or intermittently, depending upon the circuit connection of the counter, and they are indicated or recorded by means of printing.

The object of the present invention is a high speed counting device which may be used for different purposes, which can be manufactured economically and which is capable of carrying out subtractions as well as additions.

Counting devices with printing attachments are known. These known arrangements, however, either operate at too low a counting speed, or it is only possible to register and print continuously, and not individual groups of digits. Still further, these known arrangements are not built as units which can be assembled so as to vary the capacity of the complete counting device and printing attachment.

According to this invention, a high counting and print ing speed can be obtained in that a selector magnet, an armature, a type wheel and a printing attachment are arranged in an aligned relationship.

The selector magnet has an armature which is mounted at a point located intermediate its ends so as to constitute a double arm lever. One arm thereof engages a recoiling spring for the armature and the other arm thereof engages a linkage for operating a stepping mechanism for the type wheel. The distance between the pole surface of the selector magnet and the armature is adjustable by a movable mounting of the selector magnet. The distance between the armature and the pole surface can be adjusted very precisely which is of great importance for high counting and printing speed.

The known arrangements are adjusted at the armature. This necessitates, however, a quite different construction. Since in the present invention, the armature is pivotally connected to a step mechanism controlling a type Wheel, the armature itself cannot be changed in its distance from the magnet.

For this construction, it is important that the selector magnet acts on that one of the armature arms which is not connected to the recoiling or return spring.

According to another feature of the invention, the recoiling force of the return spring can be varied if the respective other end of that spring is secured to a movable member. Preferably, this end of the return spring is suspended from the armature 'of an additional magnet so that the return spring cannot exert a recoiling force when the armature of this additional magnet is being attracted.

It is possible to obtain intermediate positions of the step mechanism when the recoiling or return spring is partially relieved by the armature of the additional magnet. Since the selector magnet can be altered in its sensibility to respond, it is possible to adjust the response of the selector magnet to a particular amplitude and frequency of the current pulses fed to the magnet coil.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention, it is believed that the invention, the objects of. the invention and further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 shows two selector magnets in a partial section;

FIGURE 1a illustrates in side view a detail of FIG URE 1;

FIGURE 2 is a front view where the arrangement of the selector magnet armature is shown schematically in respect to the type wheels;

FIGURE 3 shows the components of a type wheel;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional front view of a printing attachment;

FIGURE 5 is a side view of FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 shows the additional arrangement for subtraction.

In FIGURE 1 a selector magnet 1 is attached to a yoke 2. This yoke is displaceably attached to a frame 23 by means of screws 3. The double arrow indicates how yoke 2 together with magnet 1 can be adjusted so that the distance between pole surface 5 of magnet 1 and its armature 6 can be adjusted precisely. Armature 6 is linked to an intermediate linkage member 7 and there is a pivot 13 for directly and pivotally connecting armature 6 to the upper end of member 7. The step mechanism includes a rocking or swivel bridge 8 having projecting parts at 9 and 10 which actually carry out the desired step by step rotation of a ratchet wheel 17. FIGURE la illustrates specifically that ratchet wheel 17 cooperates with the projections 9 and 10 of swivel bridge 8. Swivel bridge 8 is pivoted at a pin 11. The pivot point of swivel bridge 8 is located in almost the center of gravity thereof to reduce the amount of force necessary to pivot bridge 8. .The lower end of linking member 7 is pivoted to swivel bridge 8 eccentrically, at a pivot 12 thereof.

Upon moving linking member 7 up and down, swivel bridge 8 rocks about pin 11 counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively. The pivot connections at points 12 and 13 enable a transfer of power from armature 6 to the step mechanism as constituted by the swivel bridge.

FIGURE 3 shows that the type wheel 14 is connected to cams 15 and 16 as well as the ratchet wheel 17.

In order to obtain rapidly succeeding switching operations, armature 6, the intermediate linkage member 7 and the swivel bridge 8 must have small mass and inertia. Armature 6 then moves altogether a relatively small mass for causing the rocking of bridge 8 by an angle sufiicient to rotate wheel 17 by an angle corresponding to one step movement of type wheel 14. The linking member 7 and the armature 6 are made of thin sheet metal to permit advantageous transmission of power.

There are further provided leaf springs 18 and 19 for resiliently supporting contacts 22 and having approximately triangular cam followers 21 running on cams 15 and 16. The triangular shape for the cam follower of contacts .22 permits operation nearly free of rebouncing. These contacts perform various functions. Assuming the particular counter counts unit values, any of the cams v15 and 16 may close contacts 22 after nine on wheel .14 has passed so as to actuate a counter for the next position of the number counted thus far. The switching action of these contacts 22 for actuating a decade counter as compared with known rotation counting device, enables elimination of the conventional mechanical catch which engages a follower of a decade counter. The contacts 22 can also be used for indicating or signaling the zero-position of a continuously transferred number. Any desired number of contacts can be so arranged; such contacts may further serve for the control of the magnets of a printing attachment as will be described below or for controlling additional recording steps.

By means of such an auxiliary cam operated contact it is also possible to count in a different manner; for example, a particular number is being preselected, and when the counter has reached that number, the cam (one of 15 and 16) closes follower operated contacts to so signal that the preselected number has been reached.

'Ihus, besides serving as mere zero-position indicating contacts, or as transfer contacts for actuating the next position counter, the cam contacts 22 may be used for registering that type wheel 14 has reached a preselected position, or contacts 22 may serve as signal contacts for any intermediate position, etc.

An arrangement of several selector magnets is illustrated in FIGURE 2. It can be seen from this figure that the selector magnets 1 are arranged here in pairs. Six selector magnets form a group or unit, and they are arranged in a line and in pairs opposite to each other. They operate individually upon a corresponding type wheel, and the six type wheels pertaining to this group are placed along a single line. In FIGURE 2 the six units are further placed in a common frame 23. This complete unit in one frame can be combined with other units to form larger systems. The frame 23 is also provided with contact plugs 24 providing for electrical connections to the energizing coils of the magnets, and they are attached at an intermediate layer 26. There are further contact plugs attached to an intermediate layer 27. Contact plugs 25 are provided as electrical connections to contacts 22. Plugs 25 are attached to a shoulder piece 28 of frame 23.

The return or recoiling spring 29 of a selector magnet is connected with its one end to the armature 6 and with the other to an angular member 30 which is adjustably secured to frame 23.

Proceeding next to FIGURE 4 there is shown the printing attachment which cooperates with the selector magnets as shown in FIGURE 1. A type wheel 14 is being indicated to show cooperative relationship.

The printing attachment is provided with printing magnets 36. A plunger 34 with printing head or platen 31 is arranged under type wheel 14. This plunger 34 is actuated by an armature 38. When magnet 36 is energized, armature 38 is attracted and plunger 34 moves upwardly therewith. An adjustable guide 32 places the head 31 of plunger 34 into the correct position for such printing. Armature 38 of magnet 36 is returned to its initial position by means of a tension spring 37. The distance between magnet 38 and plunger 34 can be adjusted by moving printing magnet 36 up or down in a slot situated in the angular fastener 35. The plunger 34 is provided with a separate compression spring 33 in order to ensure printing without rebouncing.

The operating speed of plunger 34 depends to a high degree upon the tension of spring 37. The several printing units are individually movable in a slot 41 for properly positioning them exactly under the corresponding type wheel 14. To each printing unit there is added a separable contact connection 39. There are two transport rolls 40 for conveying the paper for printing between the respective type wheels 14 and the associated plunger head or platen 31.

The current to the magnets 36 of the printing attachment can be controlled by contacts such as 22 (FIGURE 1) of the selector magnets. For example, after a certain number of current pulses has been processed by a selector magnet (FIGURE 1) printing is carried out immediately thereafter. It is, of course, preferable to move a small stamp, one for each digit, as compared with a big stamp simultaneously printing several digits.

With respect to the complete mounting it is preferable to have one frame such as 23 in FIGURE 1 for the counting units and a separate frame for the printing magnets.

FIGURE 6 illustrates how a selector unit can be modifled so as to provide for forward as well as for a reverse motion of a type wheel. First of all, there are two similar units comprising selector magnets in and 1b with associated armatures 6a and 6b, respectively, and also linking unit, rocking bridge and two type wheels as was described with reference to FIGURE 1. However, the two juxtaposed type wheels are interconnected and move in unison. Always only one of the type wheels is effective for printing, one representing the result of subtracting the other one the result of adding at the same position.

011 a base plate 48 two auxiliary magnets 44a and 44b are mounted, one for each line of selector magnets. Auxiliary magnet 44a has an armature 43a provided with a lug 42 from which recoiling a spring 2% is suspended. Armature 43a itself is being recoiled to a rest position by a spring 46a. There is a corresponding armature 43b with recoiling spring 46b for magnet 44b.

The auxiliary magnets 44a and 44b when energized relieve return springs 29a and 2911 respectively. Magnets 44a and 44b have attractive powers which is a multiple of that exerted by any of the selector magnets such as In and 1b upon their armatures 6a, 6b of FIGURE 1, so that one magnet such as 44a can relieve a plurality of coil springs 29a pertaining. to a bank of selector magnets 1a. It is apparent, that there are several magnets 1a arranged perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing for adding, and similarly several magnets 1b are arranged oppositely thereto for subtracting. elieving of the return springs 29a of several selector magnets It: occurs when magnet 44a is energized. Now magnets 1b are ready for subtracting. Since one will either add or subtract, only one auxiliary magnet 44a is needed to relieve the springs 29a of all adding magnets during subtracting, and correspondingly only one magnet 44b is needed to relieve the springs 29b of all subtracting magnets during adding.

Additions and subtractions are being carried out selectively. This complete relieving of either recoiling springs 29:: and 29b for the associated armature of the associated magnet which is then not energized, is a preliminary condition for the completion of any operation of the type wheel. If this relief was not complete, the type wheel could only move to and fro on a small scale. The adding is effected by selector magnets 1:: when the recoiling springs 29b of the selector magnets 1b are relieved by :the auxiliary magnet 44b thereof. The subtraction is being controlled as stated by energizing selector magnet 112 while recoiling spring 29:: has been relieved due to enengization of magnet 44a. A single ratchet switch wheel with symmetrical teeth can be used for rotation in both directions.

The idle running of one of two selector magnets operating upon joint type wheels for either adding or subtracting, may be obtained by different means, the relieving of the respective return springs by an additional or auxilary magnet being one of them. Such means can be effective at any point within the path of power transmission from the armature of the selector magnet to the swivel bridge of the step mechanism.

As this invention can be adapted to the very difierent kinds of counting processes and as the indexing speed is very high it embraces most of the interesting switch processes.

What I claim is:

1. In a counting and printing mechanism for processing electric current pulses occurring in rapid succession, the combination comprising a frame; an energizable magnet; an armature pivotally mounted on said frame intermediate its ends thus constituting a two arm lever with one arm thereof being attracted by said magnet upon energization thereof; means for adjustably mounting said magnet on said frame so as to adjust the distance between said magnet and said armature; a step mechanism linked to said one end of said armature; a type wheel rotatable by said step mechanism and a printing mechanism operatively associated with said type wheel; a tension spring connected with one end to the other arm of said armature and urging said armature to its dc-energized position; and controllable means connected to the other end of said spring for selectively relieving the tension thereof.

2. In a registering and printirv mechanism, as claimed in claim 1, and 'further comprising a second selector magnet with armature and biasing tension spring and type Wheel and the mechanism associated therewith, both said type wheels being connected [for simultaneous rotation thereof, and magnetically actuated means including said controllable means :for selectively relieving said springs.

3. In a counting and printing mechanism for processing electric current pulses occurring in rapid succession, the combination comprising: a frame; an electroma at; an armature pivotally mounted with a point intermediate its ends at said frame and forming a two arm lever; means 'for adj ustably positioning said magnet and said armature; a step mechanism linked to one arm of said armature; a second auxiliary magnet mounted on said frame; a second armature energized by said second mag not; a first spring interposed between the other arm of said first mentioned armature and said second armature for tensioning said first armature; and a second spring [for tensioning said second armature against the tension force exerted upon said second armature by said first spring whereby enengization of said auxiliary magnet relieves the tension of said first spring.

4. A registering and printing mechanism, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said auxiliary magnet has a force several times [greater than that of the said eiectromagnet.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 128,606 Edison July 2, 1872 2,692,551 Potter Oct. 26, 1954 2,720,832 Luning Oct. 18, 1955 2,787,210 Shepard Apr. 2, 1957 2,787,952 Roche Apr. 9, 1957 2,800,073 Block July 23, 1957 2,805,620 Rosen Sept. 10, 1957 

1. IN A COUNTING AND PRINTING MECHANISM FOR PROCESSING ELECTRIC CURRENT PULSES OCCURING IN RAPID SUCCESSION, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A FRAME; AN ENERGIZABLE MAGNET; AN ARMATURE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME INTERMEDIATE ITS ENDS THUS CONSTITUTING A TWO ARM LEVER WITH ONE ARM THEREOF BEING ATTRACTED BY SAID MAGNET UPON ENERGIZATION THEREOF; MEANS FOR ADJUSTABLY MOUNTING SAID MAGNET ON SAID FRAME SO AS TO ADJUST THE DISTANCE BETWEEN SAID MAGNET AND SAID ARMATURE; A STEP MECHANISM LINKED TO SAID ONE END OF SAID ARMATURE; A TYPE WHEEL ROTATABLE BY SAID STEP MECHANISM AND A PRINTING MECHANISM OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID TYPE WHEEL; A TENSION SPRING CONNECTED WITH ONE END TO THE OTHER ARM OF SAID ARMATURE AND URGING SAID ARMATURE TO ITS DE-ENERGIZED POSITION; AND CONTROLLABLE MEANS CONNECTED TO THE OTHER END OF SAID SPRING FOR SELECTIVELY RELIEVING THE TENSION THEREOF. 